United States Environmental Sciences Division
Environmental Protection P.O. Box 93478
Agency
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Correct
Sampling Using the
Theories of Pierre
Gy
Introduction The Environmental Sciences
Division (ESD) of the National
Exposure Research Laboratory is
interested in the optimization of
sampling protocol, sampling tools,
subsampling techniques, and
sample analysis. The importance
of obtaining representative
samples in the field and retaining
their integrity throughout the
analytical procedures is
fundamental to the generation of
meaningful data. Because
sampling correctness and
representativeness is critical to
the collection and handling of
environmental samples, the ESD
has hosted short courses
presented by Francis Pitard to
explain and enforce the theories
of Pierre Gy relating to the
sampling practice of particulate
solids. The inherent
heterogeneity of soils presents a
Types of Error Pierre Gy’s theory addresses
seven types of sampling error and
offers proven techniques for their
minimization. The seven major
categories of sampling error cover
differences within samples. Other
differences can exist, such as,
within space (covered by
geostatistics) and within time
(covered by chronostatistics).
The internal sample errors are:
Fundamental Error: This is loss
of precision inherent in the
sample due to chemical and
physical composition and includes
particle size distribution. It can be
reduced by decreasing the
diameter of the largest particles or
by increasing the sample mass.
March 1999
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROJECT
particular challenge to field
personnel who are responsible for
sampling hazardous waste sites.
This heterogeneity is also a factor
that must be addressed by
statisticians, geostatisticians, and
chemometricians as they develop
sampling plans for the location
and frequency of sampling. It
affects the manner in which
analytical chemists subsample in
the laboratory. Finally,
heterogeneity influences the
interpretation of data and the
decisions made about the actions
taken to remediate contamination
at a site. The theories of Pierre
Gy present practical sampling and
subsampling methods that can be
applied for little or no added
expense. Careful attention to
these techniques can result in
samples that better represent the
Grouping and Segregation
Error: Error due to non-random
distribution of particles, usually by
gravity. It can be minimized by
compositing an analytical sample
from many randomly selected
increments or by properly
homogenizing and splitting the
sample.
Long-range Heterogeneity
Error: This is fluctuating and
non-random. It is spatial and may
be identified by variographic
experiments and can be reduced
by taking many increments to
form the sample.
Periodic Heterogeneity Error:
This fluctuation error is temporal
or spatial in character and can be
minimized by compositing
samples correctly.
site and data that more truly
represent the sample.
True and complete homogeneity
is a meter of scale and is
impossible to achieve for
particulates because many
factors, including gravity, work
against it. But the extent of
heterogeneity and its effect on
environmental sampling can be
minimized. Established methods
from the mining industry are
applicable to the sampling of
soils. The work of George
Matheron, father of geostatistics,
and Pierre Gy, sampling expert,
can provide useful insights for
environmental scientists who are
faced with sampling a complex
matrix for trace contaminants.
Increment Delimitation Error:
Error tied to inappropriate
sampling design and the wrong
choice of equipment.
Increment Extraction Error:
This error occurs when the
sampling procedure fails to
precisely extract the intended
increment. Well-designed
sampling equipment and good
protocols are crucial.
Preparation Error: This error is
the expression of loss, con-
tamination, and alteration of a
sample or subsample. Field and
laboratory techniques exist to
address this problem.
197CMB98.FS-14 Š Rev. 4/26/99
 To truly represent a lot (or a
hazardous waste site) a sample
must be both accurate and
precise. Obviously, 100%
accuracy and precision cannot be
obtained. It is important to
Devices Correct sampling devices are
essential to good sampling
protocol and to good laboratory
practice. Pierre Gy recommends
scoops and spatulas that are flat,
not spoon-shaped, and have
parallel sides, to avoid the
minimize the error that is intro-
duced in that sample-taking and in
the subsequent handling,
subsampling, and preparation. If
large-scale heterogeneity is
ignored in a sampling design, data
preferential sampling of coarse
particles. Additional care must be
taken at the analytical laboratory,
where error can be introduced by
poorly designed riffle splitters,
spatulas, and vibrating tools. It is
recommended that the sample be
generated from the preferentially
sampled material will never truly
reflect the character of the site.
subsampled using a system of
exhaustive alternate shovelling
wherein a large sample is “dealt
out” into several smaller piles.
One of these subsamples is
chosen for the analysis. This
method avoids preferential

Summary Methods developed for the mining
industry can provide
environmental scientists with
guidance for the correct sampling
and subsampling of soils. The
sampling theories of Pierre Gy are
applicable to some sampling
events at hazardous waste sites
and to the successful
subsampling of those samples at
the analytical laboratory. Careful
use of practices suggested by
Pierre Gy will result in samples
that better represent the site and
higher quality data for little or no
added expense.

References Pitard, F. F., Pierre Gy’s Sampling Theory and Sampling Practice, 2 Volumes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton,
Florida. 1989.

For Further For more information about the application of Pierre Center at the ESD, contact:
Information Gy’s theories to environmental sampling, contact:
Mr. J. Gareth Pearson, Director
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technology Support Center
National Exposure Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Sciences Division National Exposure Research Laboratory
P.O. Box 93478 Environmental Sciences Division
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478 P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
John Nocerino
Phone: (702) 798-2270
(Chemometrics)
Fax: (702) 798-3146
Phone: (702) 798-2110

Evan Englund
(Statistics)
Phone: (702) 798-2248

Brian Schumacher
(Soil Chemistry)
Phone: (702) 798-2242
For information about the Technology Support

The Technology Support Center fact sheet series is developed and written by Clare L. Gerlach, Lockheed
Martin, Las Vegas.